NFL draft grades

May 1, 2011 12:00 AM

Photo: Morry Gash/AP

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Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning must have been making the picks. Getting Anthony Castonzo (pictured) and Benjamin Igalana in the first two rounds could help him play into his early 40s. Drake Nevis is their kind of tackle. Delone Carter was a surprise in the fourth round.

Peyton Manning must have been making the picks. Getting Anthony Castonzo (pictured) and Benjamin Igalana in the first two rounds could help him play into his early 40s. Drake Nevis is their ... more

Photo: Michael Conroy, AP

Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning must have been making the... Photo-1178961.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans

Rick Smith used the first five picks to fortify the defense. J.J. Watt (pictured), Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris should play significant roles as rookies, especially in passing situations when all three could be on the field at the same time. Shiloh Keo, a vicious hitter, should stand out on special teams.

Rick Smith used the first five picks to fortify the defense. J.J. Watt (pictured), Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris should play significant roles as rookies, especially in passing situations when ... more

David Garrard is 33 and almost lost his job last season, so it made sense for them to want a quarterback. Trading up to get Blaine Gabbert (pictured), rated first or second, was a smooth move. William Rackley was the best small-college lineman. Not having a second-round pick hurt.

David Garrard is 33 and almost lost his job last season, so it made sense for them to want a quarterback. Trading up to get Blaine Gabbert (pictured), rated first or second, was a smooth ... more

Photo: L.G. Patterson, AP

Jacksonville Jaguars
David Garrard is 33 and almost lost his... Photo-1178956.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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Tennessee Titans

Desperate for a quarterback, they reached for Jake Locker (pictured) but didn’t want to chance losing him if they traded down. Akeem Ayers should start from Day One. Jurrell Casey was an excellent third-round pick who also could start as a rookie.

Cameron Heyward, center, son of the late Ironhead Heyward, was a terrific pick at a position that’s getting old. Marcus Gilbert was a good pick for a position that needs help. He could start as a rookie. If they lose Ike Taylor in free agency, Curtis Brown could start as a rookie.

They took a chance on the multitalented Jimmy Smith (pictured), who has a lot of character flaws. Some projected Torrey Smith to them in the first round, and they got him in the second. Like Jimmy Smith, he should help right away.

They took a chance on the multitalented Jimmy Smith (pictured), who has a lot of character flaws. Some projected Torrey Smith to them in the first round, and they got him in the second. Like ... more

Photo: Michael Conroy, AP

Baltimore Ravens
They took a chance on the multitalented Jimmy... Photo-1188095.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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Cleveland Browns

Phil Taylor (pictured) and Jabaal Sheard are more suited for a 3-4, but they’ve switched to a 4-3. Greg Little was an outstanding pick. He’ll give Colt McCoy a large target. Jordan Cameron should benefit because they need a tight end who can block and catch.
Grade: C-plus less

Cleveland Browns

Phil Taylor (pictured) and Jabaal Sheard are more suited for a 3-4, but they’ve switched to a 4-3. Greg Little was an outstanding pick. He’ll give Colt McCoy a large target. ... more

Robert Quinn, left, who was suspended last season, will start when he’s ready. He should help the pass rush right away. Lance Kendricks is a good receiver who’ll become a target for Sam Bradford. Greg Salas should be another target for Bradford, who has to be smiling.

This may have been their best draft. A.J. Green was the best receiver. Andy Dalton (pictured) could have gone in the first round. Dontay Moch gives them speed off the edge. Clint Boling could start immediately. Robert Sands has great size and loves to hit.

This may have been their best draft. A.J. Green was the best receiver. Andy Dalton (pictured) could have gone in the first round. Dontay Moch gives them speed off the edge. Clint Boling could ... more

Photo: David Kohl, AP

Cincinnati Bengals
This may have been their best draft. A.J.... Photo-1188096.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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New England Patriots

Bill Belichick was loaded with draft choices. Nate Solder (pictured) was a surprise but a welcome addition. Ras-I Dowling could be a great pick if he can stay healthy. Getting Marcus Cannon so low was a steal. Ryan Mallett can mature behind Tom Brady.

Rex Ryan wanted to elevate his pass rush, and Muhammad Wilkerson (96) should be able to help in that area. Kendrick Ellis is a gargantuan nose tackle. Jeremy Kerley lacks size, but he catches passes all over the field. Bilal Powell was a great pickup.

Rex Ryan wanted to elevate his pass rush, and Muhammad Wilkerson (96) should be able to help in that area. Kendrick Ellis is a gargantuan nose tackle. Jeremy Kerley lacks size, but he catches passes ... more

They got a starting guard or center in Mike Pouncey (pictured). Daniel Thomas could get a lot of carries if they don’t re-sign Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams. Edmond Gates has excellent speed. Charles Clay is a power back who could excel inside the 5.

The first four picks should help the defense. Marcell Dareus (pictured) can stuff the run, a problem in recent years. Aaron Williams can start at corner or free safety. Expect Kelvin Sheppard to become an immediate starter. Five players could contribute on defense.

The first four picks should help the defense. Marcell Dareus (pictured) can stuff the run, a problem in recent years. Aaron Williams can start at corner or free safety. Expect Kelvin Sheppard to ... more

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

Buffalo Bills
The first four picks should help the defense.... Photo-1178955.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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Kansas City Chiefs

Jonathan Baldwin (pictured) has great size but seemed to be a reach. Rodney Hudson could help right away. Justin Houston and Allen Bailey can provide a pass rush off the bench. Ricky Stanzi was an interesting pick. He’ll be given time to develop.

Corey Liuget (pictured) isn’t a 3-4 tackle, but he’s so good he’ll play well anywhere they put him, especially inside in passing situations. Marcus Gilchrist was so underrated, a great addition. Shareece Wright should play in nickel situations.

They didn’t have a first-round pick. Stefen Wisniewski (pictured) was a good pick and a feel-good story because his uncle, Steve, was a perennial Pro Bowl player for the Raiders. Demarcus Van Dyke was the fastest player at the combine. Chimdi Chekwa could help ease the pain of losing defensive backs to free agency.

Von Miller (40) and Rahim Moore will start for a defense that allowed more points than any in the league. Miller will help the pass rush immensely. Quinton Carter and Nate Irving could start or earn a lot of playing time. Orlando Franklin could start right away on the right side.

Von Miller (40) and Rahim Moore will start for a defense that allowed more points than any in the league. Miller will help the pass rush immensely. Quinton Carter and Nate Irving could start or ... more

They paid dearly, five draft choices, to move up and get Julio Jones (pictured), who’ll play opposite Roddy White. They needed help on defense but had to wait for Akeem Dent in the third round. He could start as a rookie. Jacquizz Rodgers may turn out to be better than they think because he’s been successful in high school and college. He could spell Michael Turner.

An outstanding first round with Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram (pictured), both of whom could start as rookies. Jordan can play inside or outside. Trading back into the first round for Ingram was brilliant. Injuries decimated the backfield last season. Martez Wilson and Johnny Patrick will contribute immediately and could start eventually.

An outstanding first round with Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram (pictured), both of whom could start as rookies. Jordan can play inside or outside. Trading back into the first round for ... more

Photo: Jason DeCrow, AP

New Orleans Saints
An outstanding first round with Cameron... Photo-1188101.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In two years, their defensive line could be Da’Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn (pictured) at end and Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, last season’s first- and second-round picks, at tackle. Luke Stocker and Ahmad Black were good picks who could pay off as rookies.

In two years, their defensive line could be Da’Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn (pictured) at end and Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, last season’s first- and second-round ... more

Photo: Charlie Neibergall, AP

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In two years, their defensive line could... Photo-1178976.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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Carolina Panthers

They’re taking a huge chance on Cam Newton (pictured). They needed to give him some targets and production. They had no second-round pick. Terrell McClain and Sione Fua should elevate the performance of a defensive line. Keep an eye on Brandon Hogan.

They needed starters in both lines and got them in the first two rounds. Gabe Carimi (pictured) should protect Jay Cutler’s blind side. Stephen Paea could ease the pain of losing Tommie Harris. Chris Conte will help the last line of defense.

They needed a quarterback, so they reached for Christian Ponder (pictured). Kyle Rudolph was an exceptional second-round pick. Christian Ballard will bolster the pass rush and run defense. Brandon Burton and Demarcus Love should come off the bench as rookies.

They needed a quarterback, so they reached for Christian Ponder (pictured). Kyle Rudolph was an exceptional second-round pick. Christian Ballard will bolster the pass rush and run defense. ... more

Photo: Stephen M. Dowell, AP

Minnesota Vikings
They needed a quarterback, so they reached... Photo-1188105.16626 - Houston Chronicle

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Detroit Lions

They didn’t expect Nick Fairley (pictured) to fall into their laps. What a tandem they’re going to have a defensive tackle. Fairley also can play end if that’s where he’s needed. Titus Young is one of the best and fastest receivers in the draft field. Mikel LeShoure might have been the best back in the draft. He could start right away.

Danny Watkins (pictured) will start immediately. They’ve been looking for a good free safety since Brian Dawkins left for Denver. Casey Matthews could earn a starting job. Does Alex Henery signal the end of David Akers’ career? Curtis Marsh should help in a reserve role.

They didn’t plan on taking a corner, but they didn’t think Prince Amukamara, left, would be available. Marvin Austin will contribute inside against the run and pass. Jerrel Jernigan is a nice addition for Eli Manning. James Brewer is an infusion of youth where they need it.

Tyron Smith, left, solves a need at right tackle. Bruce Carter is recovering from a knee injury, but he could start when he’s healthy. DeMarco Murray was drafted because they’re expected to dump Mario Barber. David Arkin and Josh Thomas could help as rookies.

Ryan Kerrigan (pictured) should give them an outstanding rush opposite Brian Orakpo. They reached for Jarvis Jenkins. Leonard Hankerson was an excellent pick. They were desperate for receivers. They traded up to get Roy Helu because they think he fits their zone scheme.

They drafted an offensive tackle in the first round for the second season in a row. James Carpenter (pictured) was the biggest reach of the first round. After Carpenter, they added John Moffitt because they’ve got a hole at guard.

Patrick Peterson (pictured), the best player in the draft, dropped into their laps. Drafting Ryan Williams means they’re worried about Beanie Wells. Robert Housler is an underrated tight end. Sam Acho can solved a problem at outside linebacker. Quan Sturdivant should contribute right away.

Aldon Smith (pictured) should start right away and provide a pass rush off the edge. Colin Kaepernick could beat out Alex Smith. Chris Culliver could start as a rookie. Kendall Hunter can play behind Frank Gore and contribute as a third-down back.